The Odyssey (Special Edition)

By Homer

Book Overview

Discover the story of Homer's The Odyssey with this exquisite edition from Union Square & Co.'s Signature Gilded Editions series

The stunning Odyssey special edition features sprayed edges, color end pages, a built-in ribbon bookmark, and embossed foil cover. The beautiful design and attention to detail set this special edition book apart, whether you're reading for the first time or building a library of your favorite classic literature books.

Ten years have passed since the fall of Troy. The surviving Greek warriors who destroyed that city have returned home. All except Odysseus, whose wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, await him. Claiming that Odysseus is dead, a host of suitors have taken up residence in his home, eating up his wealth and trying to persuade Penelope to marry one of them. Penelope steadfastly refuses.

Odysseus, in fact, is alive. He has spent seven years as a captive of the nymph Calypso, and the gods finally take pity on him and persuade her to set him free. When he resumes his journey home, the sea god Poseidon sends a great storm to destroy his raft. Exhausted and near death, Odysseus and his men wash up on an island shore. They are delayed by Polyphemus the Cyclops, the Lotus-eaters, the Sirens, the sorceress Circe, and other strange creatures.

Homer's The Odyssey, an epic poem from the eighth century BC, is not just a cornerstone of ancient Greek literature but also a deeply relevant work that addresses themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the challenges of returning home. Odysseus's long journey home after the Trojan War mirrors modern issues such as the plight of refugees and veterans reintegrating into society after long periods of conflict. His struggles and triumphs offer insights into human resilience and the quest for identity, themes that continue to resonate in today's global narrative of migration, displacement, and cultural integration.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1454957654
• ISBN13: 9781454957652
• Release Date: October 2024
• Publisher: Union Square & Co.
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.8" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

"Acceptable" Means Anything I Guess

Book arrived with a piece of gum sticking pages together. It's just disgusting and a waste of money. No qualms with Emily Wilson.

Epic by Definition

An epic by definition, Homer's "The Odyssey" remarkably holds up well today. Written in the 8th century BC, it would be cliche to say that it stands the test of time, but that's exactly what it does. While storytelling has certainly evolved over the centuries, this one has all the right ingredients for a fun ride. It's one of the "greats" for a reason, and a real treat to finally read it.

Must Read

A fantastic poem, great intro into Greek writing. The humor and storytelling is very enjoyable. Only note would be to get the poem translation. Do NOT get the narrative translation, it makes it unnecessarily difficult to read.

Such A Lovely Book!

I love the interior cover design and mini illustrations to go along with the poem inside! The artistic language used to tell ideas and events are wonderful as well. I really love how they use long chunks of dialogues to tell about more events and stories. Overall the many adventures of Odysseus is certainly wonderful to read about.